Status and rights of family members

Author

Human Rights League

Beneficiaries of asylum/subsidiary protection for the purpose of family reunification are entitled to the same rights and benefits as their sponsors.

The status of family members of beneficiaries of international protection who have been granted temporary residence for family reunification (family members granted TR) differs from that of their sponsors, and they are entitled to fewer rights and benefits. The main differences are:

• Family members granted TR are not entitled to one-off and integration allowances regulated by the Asylum Act,
• Family members granted TR cannot be issued a Travel Document for a Foreigner or a Foreigner’s Passport,
• Family members granted TR cannot be accommodated in the asylum facilities,
• Family members granted TR are neither covered by the public health insurance nor entitled to reimbursement of health care costs by the State – during their residence in Slovakia, they are obliged to pay for commercial health insurance for foreigners,
• Family members granted TR obtain free access to the labour market only after 9 months from the date the temporary residence is granted. Prior to the expiry of this nine-month period, they may be employed only if the OLSAF issues them a work permit.